Tallahassee’s Automobile Museum is not just a place for car enthusiasts, but a treasure trove of American history and culture. The museum, which opened in 1996, showcases over 160 vehicles from different eras and genres, as well as other fascinating collections of antiques, firearms, pianos, and more. Here are some of the highlights of this amazing museum that is worth the drive.
The Cars: From Classics to Icons
The main attraction of the museum is, of course, the cars. The museum has a vast array of classic, antique, muscle, and film cars that span over a century of automobile history. Some of the rare and remarkable cars on display include:
- The 1912 Ford Model T, one of the first mass-produced cars in the world
- The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, a symbol of the 1950s American lifestyle
- The 1970 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Convertible, one of only 33 made and one of 15 with a 4-speed transmission
- The Tuckey 48, a car that was ahead of its time with features such as disc brakes, a padded dash, and a windshield that would pop out in a crash
- The Batmobile and Batcycle from the Batman movies and TV shows
The museum also has some cars that are connected to U.S. history, such as one of the horse-drawn hearses that carried President Lincoln in his funeral procession and a replica of the gun used in his assassination.
The Pianos: A Symphony of Art and Craftsmanship
Another impressive collection in the museum is the Steinway Grand Pianos. The museum has nine one-of-a-kind pianos that showcase the art and craftsmanship of the famous piano company. Some of the pianos have historical significance, such as:
- The White House “Gold” Piano, which was commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 and used by several presidents and first ladies
- The Alma-Tadema Piano, which was designed by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema in 1887 and features paintings by him and his daughter
- The Sound of Harmony Piano, which was created by Chinese artist Shi Qi in 2007 and features traditional Chinese motifs and symbols
The museum also has the 500,000th art case piano, which was acquired by DeVoe Moore, the owner of the museum, in 2014. This marked the first time that Steinway ever sold to a private collector.
The Other Collections: A Variety of Americana
The museum is not only about cars and pianos, but also has other collections that reflect the diversity and richness of American culture. Some of the other collections include:
- Antique firearms, such as rifles, pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and muskets from different periods and regions
- Vintage cash registers, typewriters, telephones, radios, cameras, and other devices that show the evolution of technology
- Antique knives, swords, daggers, axes, and other weapons from different countries and cultures
- Vintage Barbie dolls, teddy bears, toy cars, trains, planes, and other toys that capture the nostalgia and joy of childhood
- Sports memorabilia, such as helmets, jerseys, balls, bats, gloves, trophies, and autographs from famous athletes and teams
The museum also has a banquet hall that can host events such as weddings, parties, meetings, and concerts.
The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a place where anyone can find something to admire and enjoy. It is a journey through history that showcases the achievements and innovations of America and beyond.
